Correlation Analysis: Sleep and GPA

In a recent psychology study, researchers wanted to examine the relationship between sleep quality and academic performance among high school students. They collected data on the number of hours of sleep students got each night as well as their grade point averages (GPA). The researchers then conducted a correlation analysis on the data.

Based on this scenario, answer the following:

1. Explain what a correlation coefficient is and what it indicates about the relationship between sleep quality (hours of sleep) and academic performance (GPA).

2. Discuss two potential confounding variables that could affect the results of the study.